# contribute

/kənˈtɹɪbjut/ (US) · /kˈɒntɹɪbjˌuːt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/contribute
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

to give something, like money, time, or ideas, to help a group or a project succeed. You use this when you play a part in making something happen.

For teachers: to give or supply something in common with others; to play a significant role in bringing about a specific result. Transitive when providing a specific resource, but often used intransitively with the preposition 'to'.

## Examples

- Many people contribute money to the local charity.
- The lead researcher asked every team member to contribute their findings to the final report by Friday.
- While individual lifestyle changes are helpful, systemic policy shifts contribute far more significantly to the long-term reduction of carbon emissions across the industrial sector.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He contributed for the project" but "He contributed to the project" — Contribute takes the preposition 'to' when describing the goal or project being helped.

## Usage notes

- The verb is often followed by the preposition 'to' when indicating the recipient or the final result.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.